In the wake of the violent crimes that have occurred on the Arcade Creek nature trail, which borders ARC, the Los Rios Police Department are attempting to promote safety tips to students who travel the trail.

The LRPD has already posted signs on the trail warning students about the crimes that have occurred on there, which include multiple attempted sexual assaults, a strong-arm robbery and, most recently, an armed robbery.

However, one of these signs, which were posted in late spring, has been spraypainted over by vandals, in a glaring example of the criminal activity that occurs in the area.

The trail is frequently used by joggers, classes on assignment and students that live nearby.

Cpl. Noah Winchester of the LRPD said that the trail is attractive to criminals because “Subjects tend to utilize areas where they feel they are hidden to commit crimes.  In this case the nature trail provides natural foliage to give them a false sense of security. Which is why LRPD has increased foot patrols.”

Sgt. Mike Olson of the LRPD said that one way to avoid danger on the trail is to be aware of your surroundings.

“(Travelers) should always be alert to their surroundings. We see a lot of people use trails or even walk around campus. They’re looking at the ground five feet in front of their own feet and their completely oblivious to the people and the area around them. So you have to keep your head up and your eyes and head moving,” said Olson.

Olson also said that joggers who run through the area while listening to music through headphones on are at risk as well.

“You can’t hear what’s going on around you, so if you’re not looking at it and you’re not hearing it, you’re just that much more susceptible to being a victim of a crime.”

Olson warned students against traveling on the trail at night, recommending that students only walk the trail in the daytime, if possible.